Following our successful meeting at St Mark’s Church Gillingham, a church that has opened its doors in hospitality and a spirit of openess to young Eritrean refugees, we will be holding our AGM at Strood Evangelical Church 17 Darnley Road Strood ME2 2EU on Friday 28th April from 7pm for 7.30pm. All are welcome. Parking is free in the vicinity. A downstairs toilet is available.

Those who subscribe to our aims and/or Medway City of Sanctuary news will be able to vote for the new committee.

Given the calling of a General Election it will be worthwhile asking all parties and candidates what there views are on the current refugee crisis, its impact at a local level and what is their considered best response. Please contact those who are standing in the Medway constituencies or let me know those who might like to submit a view. We may have a few answers at the meeting! Emma Finlinson the South East newly appointed City of Sanctuary coordinator will be our main speaker and we look forward to welcoming her to Medway.

Although we have not met publicly for a while, we have been engaged in diverse ways in support of refugees in our community and look forward to reporting on developments both locally, regionally and nationally and meeting to network once again.

Stephen Goldsbrough (Medway City of Sanctuary coordinator on behalf of the Committee)